Kneeling device

ABSTRACT

A kneeling device comprising a platform produced from a resilient material, and handles capable of releasably interlocking with the ends of the platform, the platform further having two depressions formed therein for receiving knee pads for accommodating the knees of an individual.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a kneeling device to assist people in kneeling on the floor for prolonged periods of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kneeling directly on a floor surface has always presented a number of problems such as damaging the skin surrounding the knee and it is often painful even if performed for short periods of time. A number of people have to kneel for long periods of time in order to carry out their jobs, such as gardeners, joiners, painters and decorators, maintenance engineers, and dressmakers. Indeed, religious services require kneeling for prolonged periods of time during prayer or worship. While kneeling for short periods of time is not necessarily a problem for some people, a growing number of individuals now have knee problems such as deteriorated cartilage around the knee joint and beneath the knee cap and this renders kneeling a painful experience and one which is often avoided. Kneeling for prolonged periods of time can also result in joints becoming stiffened and therefore resuming a standing position from a kneeling position can often be difficult if not painful, and this is especially so in individuals suffering from knee problems, the infirm and the elderly. In order to address these problems, a number of kneeling devices have been developed, although these are associated with a number of problems.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,441 discloses a knee protection device for removing pressure from the knees of the person who is kneeling having a ridged panel with an inner surface and an outer surface which is removably secured to an individual's leg. While this device may be appropriate for fit and able individuals, the procedure of putting the device around the leg is time consuming and the movement of the individual would be hampered by attachments of such a device. Furthermore, the individual has to be of a flexible disposition in order to elevate him or herself into a standing position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,069 discloses a kneeling device for household or garden use in the form of a platform with upstanding handles which may be collapsed for storage. Canadian Patent Number 2,175 857 also discusses a kneeling with collapsible handles which may further be used as a stool in an upturned configuration. While these devices have collapsible handles which would assist an individual assuming the standing position from the kneeling position, the handles although collapsible can result in a cumbersome device which cannot be used for kneeling when the handles have been collapsed. Further more, the platforms are uniform in their shape and therefore the pressure of the individual upon kneeling on such a platform would result in the greatest pressure being applied through the knee cap. This may be problematic in a number of situations were an individual has knees which are damaged or suffering from disease.

U.S. Patent Publication 2003/0019007 discloses a knee cushion support for placing on top of a surface in an area beneath the knees. The knee cushion comprises a cushion with depressions for receiving the knees of a user while in the kneeling position and two small handles protruding from the cushion to facilitate grasping and transportation of the knee cushion. While the depressions in the cushion would allow for the weight of the individual to be evenly spread around the knee area (as opposed to being directed towards the knee cap), the handles provide little if no actual function for assisting an individual in assuming a standing position from a kneeling position or vice versa.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,264 discloses a kneeling device for facilitating kneeling having a rigid plastic platform with foam inserts placed in the cavities on the platform and two handles extending vertically from either end of the platform. The handles are fixed into the rigid platform making the device cumbersome and not lending itself to be stored easily. Furthermore, the cavities within the rigid plastic platform would only permit an individual to have his or her knees at a set distance away from one another and furthermore may prove hazardous should the knee be held snugly in place in the rigid platform and an individual turns his or her body to one side suddenly as this may result in ripping of cartilage within the knee or straining of ligaments surrounding the knee.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance the present invention, there is provided a kneeling device comprising a platform formed from a resilient material, and at least one handle capable of releasably interlocking with part of the platform, the platform further having two depressions formed therein for receiving the knees of an individual. The present invention allows a user to use the platform independently of the handle or handles if they wish and also provides for a device which can be easily stored. The handle(s) allows the individual to assume the standing or kneeling position easily as the weight of the body can be transferred to the handle(s) prior to placing the knees on the platform.

Preferably, the platform is of a generally rectangular cuboidal shape with four sides and two ends. The platform may also be a number of different shapes, such as a generally oval shape with two ends, although the configuration of the platform will be dependent on aesthetic considerations and productions costs/techniques. At least one handle may be capable of releasably interlocking with one end of the platform. The handle preferably has a cavity which substantially conforms to the dimensions of the ends of the platform. Preferably, the device comprises two handles. A number of means may be employed for interlocking the handles to the ends of the platform such as interference between the ends of the platform and the cavity. Alternatively, a means of positively locking the handles in place on the platform may be employed

The device as described hereinabove, preferably has depressions provided in the platform in order to accommodate the user's knees. The depressions may be capable of receiving one or more pads. Preferably, the pads may be releasably attached to the depressions. It will be evident to one skilled in the art that such attachments may be by a number of means. For example, the outer surface of the pads which interface with the depressions of the platform may be covered in Velcro™, provided that the depressions are coated with a suitable material which may accommodate the use of such a material. Alternatively, the pads may additionally comprise male or female members which are received in female or male members which are disposed on the depressions. The pads may be permanently attached to the depressions and may be attached at the time of producing the platform, or held in place by means of a glue if required. The pads may additionally be of different sizes in order to accommodate knees of different dimensions. Therefore, the depressions in the platform may be of a standard size, and may allow a number of different pads to be placed within them. Such pads may comprise an exterior shape which substantially conforms to the shape of the depression and a knee receiving part which is of a specific size. Furthermore, the pads may be configured in such a manner as to allow the pressure exerted by the weight of the individual on the pad to be displaced around the periphery of the knee reducing the pressure on the kneecap. It will be evident, that such a configuration will be appropriate for individuals who have damaged kneecaps. The pads may also be of a number of shapes, but will preferably be an oval shape. The pad may also have a lip or a raised edge located around the exterior of the pad, so as to help keep the pad in place in the depression.

The depressions or pads are preferably configured such as to spread the weight of the individual over the whole of the knee or over the periphery of-the knee. In a preferred embodiment, the depressions are of curved section for snugly receiving the knees of a user. The pressure exerted on the platform by the user may also be used to transfer pressure to the handles in order to assist in the stabilizing of the handles.

In order to protect the surface on which the device is placed from being damaged (for example from scratches) a protective layer may be provided on the base of the device. Such a protective layer may extend to part or all of the base and may be produced from a number of materials such as plastics, rubber and cork. It will be apparent that such a protective layer may additionally lend itself to preventing the device from slipping on the surface. Additionally, small protrusions may be dispersed on the base in order to further prevent the device from slipping. Preferably, four protrusions are disposed at each corner of the base. It will be evident that the protrusions may also be disposed at other locations on the base. The protrusions may be produced from a number of materials such as a rubber or plastics or metal material. Protrusions may be of a semi-spherical shape or substantially conical. Alternatively, a moving means may be disposed on the base of the device. Preferably, the moving means assists in the moving of the device whilst in use. More preferably, the moving means comprises castors.

The device may also provide for the attachment of accessories, such as cups and mobile phones for example. The accessories may be attached by means of holders, and the holders may in turn be releasably or permanently attached to the device by a number of accessory attachment means and such means will be evident to one skilled in the art.

A drawer may be provided in the platform and such a drawer may have a drawer front with a finger hole disposed thereon so as to allow a means by which the drawer can be opened. The drawer may be used for storing a number of objects, such as tools and the like.

One or more springs and/or hydraulic struts may be positioned under the platform and/or under the depressions so as to help to absorb the initial pressure of knees being placed on the platform and also to help assist the individual is assuming an upright position.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a platform which is produced from a resilient material and which optionally has depressions formed thereon in order to accommodate knees and further comprises at least one handle capable of releasably interlocking with one side of the platform. Additionally, the kit of parts may further comprise pads which may be received in the depressions in the platform.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the problems associated with the prior art devices.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kneeling device which allows the pressure exerted by the weight of the individual to be displaced equally on the kneeling device.

It is yet another object of the present invention, to provide a kneeling device with handles to assist the individual from assuming the kneeling position and standing position easily and which may be removable not only for storage, but also so the device may be used independently of handles.

These and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent when considered with the teachings contained in the detailed disclosure which along with the accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate embodiments of the invention which together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kneeling device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the kneeling device as shown in FIG. 1 with pads inserted into the depressions of the kneeling device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a handle as used in the kneeling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative handle which can be used in accordance with the kneeling device of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative handle which can be used in accordance with the kneeling device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment and best mode of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a kneeling device for assisting an individual to kneel on a surface the device comprising a platform 10 produced from a resilient material and having two depressions 12 formed thereon. The platform may be produced from a number of materials which are substantially resilient and a number of materials will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Preferably, the platform is produced from a foam or compressed rubber material. The platform may additionally have a protective covering or material covering its exterior. It will be evident that such protection will ensure that the platform lasts for a reasonable duration of time and will help maintain its appearance. Preferably, the protective covering or material is resistant to one or more of the following: moisture, stains and high temperature. It will be evident that “high temperature” means temperatures which may be experienced from the ambient climate. Preferably, the material of the platform is fire retardant. The protective covering or material may be a plastics material or a woven material. A woven material may be a fabric. Kneeling devices are commonly used in churches and therefore may be covered in a patterned fabric such as tapestry.

A respective handle 14 is disposed at each end of the platform 10. The handle 14 is produced from a plastics or metal material and is capable of releasably interlocking with one end of the platform 16. The platform 10 also has an rectangular opening 26 that is able to receive a slidable drawer 28 having a finger hole 30 used to slide the drawer 28 in and out of the rectangular opening 26. The drawer 28 can be located in any position about the platform 10 if desired.

The device may additionally comprise a base which extends to part or all of the underside of the device. The base preferably touches the surface on which the device is placed. The base may be produced from a number of materials such as plastics or metal. The base may be rectangular that is in turn attached to handles. Such a base may be manufactured from a number of materials, such as plastics (for example PVC), or wood (for example marine wood) or metal (for example aluminium). If a base is employed, it will preferably have a means to releasably hold the platform in place, such as using side lips that only permit the platform to be slid out under the side lips.

With reference to FIG. 2, the kneeling device further comprises pads 24 which may be inserted into the depressions 12 of the platform 10. Preferably, the pad is produced from a different resilient material than the material from which the platform is produced. The will allow for different levels of support to be conferred to individuals with different needs (for example to accommodate for obese individuals). The pad may be made from a gel material, and such a material may have a cover encapsulating the gel, should it be required. The pad may also be capable of being heated or cooled so that a soothing action may be exerted on to an individual's knee, if required. A number of other materials for producing the pads may also be employed in accordance with the present invention, and these will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Underneath each pad 24 (within the depressions 12), there is a biased spring 32 which is used for additional cushioning for a knee. Furthermore, on the underside of the base of the platform is disposed a number of protrusions 34 upon which the platform can rest when placed on a surface. Detachable wheels 36 are also provided so that the platform 10 can be moved about a surface if and when required. At the corner of the underside of the platform 10 where it is inserted into the cavity 18 of the handle (described in more detail below), there is provided a hydraulic strut 38 and a second biased spring 40 used to absorb the initial shock/pressure of a person placing their knees on the platform and also to assist a person from the kneeling to a standing position and also to ensure that the motion is smooth in operation.

With reference to FIG. 3, the handle 14 comprises an aperture 20 which an individual may place their fingers through in order to hold the device. One side of the handle 14 defines a cavity 18 which has a ledge 22 formed at its bottom edge.

With reference to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of a handle is provided with similar features as shown in FIG. 3 being marked with the same reference number prime. The handle 50 comprises a rectangular shaped aperture 52 through which an individual may place their fingers so as to hold the device.

Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a handle is provided with similar features as shown in FIG. 3 being marked with the same reference number prime. However, a T-shaped handle 60 is provided which terminates in a cavity 18′ having a ledge 22′ formed at its bottom edge. The T-shaped handle 60 has a hand hold portion 62, perpendicular to which is connected a hollow tube 64 having a number of apertures 68 running along its surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The hollow tube 64 is connected to the cavity 18′ and is capable of receiving a second tube 66 which has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the hollow tube 64 and has a spring loaded button 70 (having a chamfered edge (not shown)) that can protrude through an aperture 68 and positively locking the hollow tube in position over that of the second tube 66. The height of the handle can therefore be easily adjusted by pressing the spring loaded button and moving the second tube up or down so that the button 70 then rests in a higher or lower aperture 68 (in a similar fashion as the height on an adjustable crutch is altered).

In use, the platform 10 of the device allows the individual to place their knees in the depressions 12 so as to spread the weight of the individual over the whole or periphery of the knee and thereby allow kneeling to be comfortable. To this end, the platform 10 is made from a resilient material on which it will be comfortable to kneel. A biased spring 32 is also provided in the depressions 12 so as to further aid in the comfort of the user and further absorb weight and assist in the user assuming an upright position. Two detachable handles 14,50,60 are also provided, the cavities 18,18′ being dimensioned to allow each end 16 of the platform 10 to be releasably interlocked in the cavity 18,18′ of a respective one of the handle 14,50,60. The height of the handles may be adjustable in order that the device may be used by a number of individuals of different size or strength. A number of methods for adjusting the height of the handles may be employed by the device. For example, the handles may be adjustable by means of hydraulic struts or rams, whereby the handles can be adjusted by the compression or expansion of a strut or ram. Alternatively, a ratchet and pin mechanism may be employed, such that the handle is adjusted to the correct height corresponding to a location on a ratchet and a pin is used to lock the handle at the correct height. Commonly on medical devices (such as crutches and the like), a ratchet and pin/ball bearing mechanism is employed and a similar mechanism may be used in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the shape of the handles is either semi-circular or rectangular, but they may also be T-shaped and their shape will largely be dictated by the method used to render them adjustable and for the handle to be ergonomic for the user. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a number of materials may be utilized in producing the handles, provided that the handles can withstand the weight of an individual (even an obese individual). Preferably, the handles are produced from one or more of the following materials: a plastics material, a metal based material or a carbon based material. In order to utilize cheaper and/or weaker materials, the handles may be constructed out of tubular parts in order to provide extra strength.

Therefore, the device may be used with or without the handles 14,50,60. This will suit a number of applications such as easy storage of the device and allowing different individuals with different needs to use the device. For example, one individual may only require the platform, while another individual may require the handles in order to assist in kneeling.

An individual can use the device with two handles 14,50,60 releasably interlocked with the platform 10, which are gripped in order to allow the individual to push themselves up from a kneeling position to a standing position or allow them to use their arms assist in kneeling. When an individual is kneeling on the device, the pressure exerted on the platform 10 is also exerted on the ledge 22,22′ of the handle and this stabilizes the handle when an individual is attempting to stand.

The depressions 12 can have pads 24 inserted in them in order to accommodate a specific size of knee or to introduce a different resilient material should a different type of support be required to the material from which the platform 10 is produced.

If required, a handle 60 which is adjustable can be used in conjunction with the platform 10. The user can simply pressing the spring biased button 70 and move the hollow tube 64 up or down relative to the second tube 66 so as to achieve the desired height and the button 70 allowed to protrude from the appropriate aperture 68 which then locks the height of the handle for the user.

In most cases, it is sufficient for there to be simply an interference fit between the ends of the platform 10 and the recesses 18 of the handles 14. However, in other cases it may be preferred to provide some means of positively locking the handles in place on the platform.

Handily, there is provided a drawer 28 which can be opened by a user placing a finger through the finger hole 30 and pulling the drawer open. The drawer can be used for the storage of tools etc.

The provision of a spring 40 and a hydraulic strut between the underside of the platform 40 and ledge 22,22′ allows for the absorption of energy when the user kneels on the platform 10 and additionally assists the user in assuming an upright position as the biased spring pushes gently against the knees. The absorption of energy is particularly beneficial when the kneeling device/user is repeatedly moving.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments which have been described above. Instead, the embodiments described here should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims: 

1. A kneeling device comprising a platform formed from a resilient material, said platform defining two depressions formed therein for accommodating the knees of an individual and at least one handle releasably mounted to said platform.
 2. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said platform is of a generally rectangular cuboidal shape with four sides and two ends.
 3. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each handle defines a cavity which substantially conforms to the configuration of an end of the platform.
 4. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depressions are laterally spaced apart and have curved cross-section.
 5. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, including pads secured in the depressions.
 6. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pads have a biasing spring mounted therein to provide additional cushioning for a knee.
 7. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each handle has a base defining a cavity and a T-shaped stem mounted to and extending from said base.
 8. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said platform is constructed of foam.
 9. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform has a protective covering the exterior surface of said resilient material.
 10. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said protective covering is a plastic material.
 11. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said protective covering is a woven material.
 12. A kneeling device comprising a platform formed from a resilient material defining two depressions formed therein for accommodating the knees of an individual and a handle removable mounted at each end of said platform, each handle comprising a base member defining a cavity which snuggly fits over the end of said platform and a grasping means formed on said base member.
 13. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 12, wherein a protective layer taken from one or more of a group consisting of plastic, rubber and cork covers at least a part of said platform.
 14. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 12, wherein castors are mounted on the base of the platform.
 15. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 12, wherein protrusions are mounted on the base of the platform to prevent the device from slipping.
 16. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 12, wherein a drawer is slideably mounted in said platform.
 17. A kneeling device comprising a platform formed from a resilient material defining two depressions formed therein for accommodating the knees of an individual, a drawer slideably mounted in said platform, pads mounted in said depressions, and a handle removably mounted at each end of said platform, each handle comprising a base member defining a cavity which snuggly fits over the end of said platform and a grasping means formed on said base member and means mounted to said platform to absorb energy when a user kneels on said platform.
 18. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said energy absorbing means is a spring and/or a hydraulic strut is positioned under said platform.
 19. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of said handles has a base defining cavity and a T-shaped stem mounted to and extending from said base, said stem being telescopic and comprising two concentric tubes which can move up and down relative to each other.
 20. A kneeling device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said handles comprise a base member defining a cavity configured to fit over the ends of said platform, said base member defining a throughgoing aperture allowing a user to insert fingers there through to hold onto said handle. 